| As solo professionals, we often have problems and | | | | services to help you deal with them. |
| therefore need to know who and where to get help | | | | PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT - Over the years I have |
| with them. It is important to develop a network of | | | | been able to build good relationships with individuals |
| individuals who you can consult with for both personal | | | | who work in psychology, social work and similar fields. |
| and professional expertise. | | | | These people have taught me so much about ways |
| FAMILY AND FRIENDS - I always advice my clients | | | | to improve my practice. They are also usually very |
| to let their family be their family and their friends be | | | | willing consultants who I can access when needed. |
| their friends. Expecting them to be your financial | | | | Your regulatory body can also provide information, |
| advisor, therapist or parenting resource can cause | | | | educational opportunities or practice advisors for |
| problems and actually hurt your relationship with them. | | | | specific issues. Widen your circle to include other |
| They likely do not have the training or objectivity that | | | | business people and professionals. We are all in this |
| you could obtain from a professional in the field - and | | | | together and can always grow with the support and |
| you can't fire your mother-in-law. Families and | | | | help that others provide. Tho professionals who work |
| friendships have different types of boundaries and | | | | with similar clients understand better than anyone else |
| styles. Be cautious when you are seeking help from | | | | as they have gone through similar experiences. |
| these sources. They may give you bad advice or | | | | ORGANIZATIONS AND INTERNET SITES - When |
| make suggestions that you are not prepared to follow | | | | you feel that you are lacking knowledge, you can |
| or even try to solve the problem in a controlling | | | | always phone the organization that deals with that |
| manner. You can offer and receive support from | | | | topic. For example, my sister has Multiple Sclerosis and |
| family and friends but be very careful about what you | | | | when she had a problem with itching skin we |
| share! | | | | contacted the MS Society for advice. Within 24 hours |
| PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR PERSONAL ISSUES - | | | | she was called by an expert and was taking the |
| You cannot be competent if you have untreated | | | | appropriate medication to resolve the itching. Most |
| issues such as addictions or mental illness. I have a | | | | organizations have websites which offer not only |
| client who stated "Everyone needs a therapist" and | | | | articles on common themes but also contact |
| this might be something for you to consider for | | | | information for resources. |
| yourself. Loss, hurt or relationship problems can | | | | Begin developing support networks in the above areas |
| interfere with you being able to live well and work | | | | and expand them over time. You will find that strong |
| competently. It is a good idea to be honest about your | | | | bonds of trust and relationship will help all of you to |
| problems and then seek appropriate competent | | | | grow both personally and professionally. |